Tongue ulcer – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Tongue ulcers are open wounds or sores on the tongue. Tongue ulcers are typically uncomfortable and can be aggravated by drinking and eating. A canker sore is a form of tongue ulcer that can arise for no apparent reason or be caused by a variety of irritants.

Causes of Tongue ulcers

Tongue ulcers can develop as a result of a variety of illnesses, including viral infections, oral cancer, or tongue damage. Finding and treating the underlying cause of tongue ulcers will aid in the healing process. In moderate situations, over-the-counter medications can help ease pain, and in certain circumstances, adopting good dental hygiene can help resolve tongue ulcers.

Some of causes of tongue ulcers due to infections are:

• Canker sores are tiny, superficial wounds.
• Gingivostomatitis is a bacterial or viral infection of the mouth.
• Oral lichen planus is an immune system condition that can progress to cancer of the mouth.
• Oral thrush is an infection on the surface of the tongue caused by the fungus candida.
• Herpes Simplex infection is caused by a virus that causes infectious sores on the genitals or over the mouth.

Diseases that lead to tongue ulcers:

• Lupus is an autoimmune disorder.
• Behcet's syndrome is a widespread inflammation of blood vessels.
• Crohn's disease is an intestinal inflammation.

Untreated tongue ulcers can lead to secondary infections, or oral cancer can spread to other regions of the body. If tongue ulcers are caused by an infection and are not treated, they can spread to other persons.

Seek prompt medical attention if you discover chronic tongue ulcers, as this could be a sign of a more serious disease, such as oral cancer or infection.

For more information read the full blog at Dr. Amarnathan's Dental Care website(title : Tongue ulcer – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment)